Abyss Quote by Philip Kitcher
“Anxieties about ourselves endure. If our proper study is indeed the study of humankind, then it has seemed-and still seems-to many that the study is dangerous. Perhaps we shall find out that we were not what we took ourselves to be. But if the historical development of science has indeed sometimes pricked our vanity, it has not plunged us into an abyss of immorality. Arguably, it has liberated us from misconceptions, and thereby aided us in our moral progress.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Science, Truth, and Democracy by Philip Kitcher, 1993
Human self‑knowledge is limited; scientific study can challenge ego but also frees us from false beliefs, aiding moral growth.
In simple terms: Science reveals our limits and helps improve ethics.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility and let evidence guide morality.
Themes
humility
science
ethics
knowledge
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- public policy
- personal reflection
- education
- media discourse
Key Concepts
epistemology
moral philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What biases might you hold about humanity?
- How can scientific humility shape ethical decisions?
A Different Perspective
Science may be misused to justify harmful ideologies.
